You won’t want to miss the Grand Strand’s newest amusement park, O.D. Pavilion on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach when you come to vacation here this summer! Come enjoy a fun filled experience with free park admission to experience exciting rides, games, great food, delicious snacks and so much more. Located oceanfront you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some breathtaking views from many of the rides.

Starting on Memorial Day and running through Labor Day, the O.D. Pavilion is open every day from 4 to 11 p.m. There are rides for the children and exciting rides for the thrill-seeking adults among us, too. Make a night of it with dinner out and then take in the amusement park. We promise it will bring back so many childhood memories.

Myrtle Beach’s “Hot Summer Nights” begins June 3 and runs through August 31 at Plyler Park, on the Boardwalk and along Ocean Boulevard. Events are for all ages and are free! Here’s the general schedule:

You’ll want to take advantage of the Hot Summer Specials on our North Myrtle Beach condos. Make a reservation to stay 7 nights arriving June 1 or June 8 and you can save 20% off your stay. Or stay at our North Myrtle Beach condos at Barefoot Resort and save up to 20% off when you arrive June 15 through August 31 and stay a minimum of 7 nights. There’s plenty to love about the great specials we always have going on! Have fun and save money too!

For those who are lucky enough to be in the area over this Memorial Day Weekend, you’ll find there are lots of commemorative events taking place for the holiday. From parades to picnics and concerts, too, you’ll have lots to enjoy far beyond the beach, the surf, and the golf courses.

If you’re staying in our vacation rentals in North Myrtle Beach be sure to check out the nearby SummerFest at Barefoot Landing that is held from Saturday, June 1 through Saturday, August 31. Fireworks will be held every Monday at 10:15 p.m. over the lake. Boardwalk entertainers will be performing nightly and a Strolling Boardwalk Parade will be held every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.

The annual Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Parade will take place on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The parade will proceed from 27th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North and features parade floats, balloons and music.

Following the parade the Military Appreciation Days Family Picnic will be held at Pavilion Area, Ocean Boulevard from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. The picnic will have activities for the kids, military exhibits and live music. The picnic is free for all military personnel, veterans and families, including the National Guard and Reserve. Enlist now for the first “Veterans Beard and ’Stache Beach Bash” contest, to be held as part of Military Appreciation Days. It’s free to enter, with the competition to be held as part of the big family picnic on the Pavilion site, after the Memorial Day Weekend parade. Categories include: Full Beard, Trimmed Beard, Partial Beard, Styled ’Stache, Natural ’Stache, Goatee, and Ladies’ Faux. Males must be veterans, but the women’s faux contest is open to all ladies.

Not to be missed is a Big Band Concert by Andrew Thielen Big Band performing at 1 p.m. on Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach.

An official Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27 at the Convention Center Plaza in Myrtle Beach. Sponsored by the Grand Strand Patriotic Alliance. This event is open to the public.

Give us a call at (800) 367-6515 if you’d like more information on the accommodations we can provide you with in North Myrtle Beach.

If you love to fish you should know that some of the best fishing can be had along the Carolina coast and it doesn’t even require a boat! Being successful at fishing requires both the right equipment and knowledge of the conditions that affect the fish. Some of this knowledge only comes in time with experience but you can always find a few fishermen that are happy to share what they’ve learned over the years with you.

When you stay in our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals you’ll be close to some of the finest fishing and crabbing done off the Cherry Grove Pier right here in North Myrtle Beach. The Cherry Grove Pier is 985 feet of fishing fun for the entire family and has the only two story observation deck of any privately owned pier in the Myrtle Beach area as well as having record catches including a world record 1780 lb. Tiger Shark and a record 98 lb. Tarpon.

Tip:Always use fresh bait. It will always attract more fish especially if you are using live bait like shrimp or sand fleas. Change bait frequently for the best results. Keep loud conversation, music, and noises to a minimum. Sound carries great distances under water and can drive fish away.

Everything you’d need for a day of fishing from the pier can be had just a short distance from our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals. The Cherry Grove Pier has a full service tackle, bait and gift shop. They have everything you need for a fun outing including a full line of rods and reels from famous makers like Sea Striker, Diawia, and Shakespeare, Sea Striker rigs, Calcutta apparel, tackle rental, bait and unique beach souvenirs. You can also get your daily and season passes there. You do not need a fishing license to fish off of this pier once you have purchased a pass.

Tip: When fishing from a pier, cast and let your bait drift with the tide, or fish on the bottom. The marine life attached to the pier’s pilings means a supply of readily available food to the fish, so they naturally tend to gather around the pier. Use enough weight on your line when bottom fishing for the current and tide conditions.

Have fun out there and remember that the changing tide at dawn or dusk can be among the best times to catch fish.

On the Boardwalk, next to Landshark Bar & Grill in Myrtle Beach, is where you’ll find the not-to-be-missed SkyWheel. It’s here that you’ll find the best view of the coastline from your seat at the top. Gondolas holding anywhere from 2-6 people in your party will take you up, up, and around three times total.

If you’re in the area staying in our North Myrtle Beach rentals you be just a short distance from the Boardwalk and all the excitement of the area. Definitely take the time to visit the area and enjoy all that it has to offer. While we know you’re just going to love our North Myrtle Beach rentals, there’s also so much more here that you’ll want to experience.

Each night around dusk, the SkyWheel begins its light show. With over 1 million LED lights, the display can be seen up and down the boardwalk. You’ll want a camera for this!

At nearly 200 feet above sea level, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel offers an unparalleled view of the coastline as far as the eye can see. But for some people that 200 feet might seem a bit intimidating. We often get questions about the safety of the SkyWheel — or even if it’s scary! The gondolas are fully enclosed and climate controlled. Regular safety inspections are conducted so you never have to worry. Taking a flight is always smooth and comfortable! There is no swaying like on a Ferris wheel.

If you’d like to speak with us about accommodations, we can be reached at (800) 367-6515 or through our website. If you’d like to order tickets in advance for the SkyWheel you can get them from their website at tickets.skywheelusa.com

Just minutes from our comfortable North Myrtle Beach condo rentals is where you’ll discover the popular and exciting dinner show, Pirates Voyage. This could be the most breathtaking dinner show you’ll ever experience. The spirits of pirates and buccaneers that once sailed the coast of the Carolinas have come to life in Myrtle Beach’s newest show in many years. Located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach you will experience the swashbuckling excitement of two pirate camps as they battle for the lost treasure.

Pirates Voyage just might take your breath away as the Crimson and Sapphire pirates battle each other on deck, in the water and in the sky above their full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot deep indoor hideaway lagoon to the cheers and delight of fans. Spectacular acrobatic competition, live animals and a brand new original music score by Dolly Parton will create an immersive adventure experience.

You will experience all this fun and adventure as you enjoy a spectacular four course pirate feast consisting of:

Be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy the fun and interactive experience in Pirates V0yage. The one-price ticket includes admission, a fabulous feast, and the pirates hideaway breathtaking dinner show spectacular.

To combine admission with Wonderworks or Ripley’s Aquarium, check out the Pirates Voyage specials for printable coupons that will allow you to save money on admission to both events.

If you haven’t yet reserved your accommodations be sure to contact us about the great deals we have on our North Myrtle Beach condo rentals. You can reach us toll-free by calling (800) 367-6515. We look forward to talking with you.

Many people who come to coastal South Carolina and choose to stay in a North Myrtle Beach condo rental from us want to fully experience what it’s like to live here. This is especially true for the people that return year after year. These vacationers know their way around the area and what it has to offer. They’re good at finding the best deals, know where their favorite restaurants are, and can locate the finest golf packages.

But to fully experience life here as the residents do you have to take in a few of the local events taking place during your stay — events such as the following that are both just a short drive from your North Myrtle Beach condo rental.

The Belin United Methodist Church Annual Blessing of the Inlet is taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Come out and be a part of this annual day-long celebration of worship, entertainment, great food, family fun and arts & crafts. The “Blessing of the Inlet” ceremony will start at 11:30 a.m. Admission is free. The event, now in its 16th year, will be held at Belin United Methodist Church (4183 Hwy 17 Business) in Murrells Inlet. Call 843-651-5099 for more information.

On May 4 the 8th Annual Makai Luau, a Grand Strand tradition, will be held from 6 -10 p.m. at the Hot Fish Club located in beautiful Murrells Inlet, SC. This by-ticket-only benefit begins at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Hot Fish Club and will feature live music, a fire and hula show from Chief Kamu, a traditional luau buffet, beer and wine beverages, as well as the wildly popular Surfers Punch. There will be prizes for the Ugliest Hawaiian Shirt contest, a Best Lei contest, and more. All proceeds from this event fund the projects of the Grand Strand Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. Tickets prices will be on sale at area surf shops, through a local Surfrider member, or by visiting Surfrider’s website www.surfridergrandstrand.org. Contact Bruxanne Hein at 333-2034 for more information.

So when you’re visiting the South Carolina shores, take in as many local events as you can and you’ll experience first hand how enjoyable living here can truly be.

Many people are stumped when it comes to coming up with great gift ideas whether for a birthday, graduation, Mother’s or Father’s Day. The next gift you give can be the best idea ever if you pay close attention to our following suggestions. How about gifting vacation accommodations for their next trip!

Everyone loves a beach vacation where they can get away and relax, maybe play some golf, shop and experience the local restaurants. Myrtle Beach excels at all of these things and our Myrtle Beach condo rentals are as exquisite as they are superbly comfortable. At Grand Strand Resorts our #1 recommendation for a gift is a stay in one of our many Myrtle Beach condo rentals. Whether for a night or a week, this is a gift that won’t soon be forgotten and is sure to make memories to enjoy for years to come.

If your gift recipient is a golfer its even better. A golf package that includes accommodations is a gift that is sure to please a golf enthusiast of any caliber. With over 110 championship golf courses in the area you’ll be added to their “favorite people in the whole wide world” list once they open this gift.

The area offers many opportunities to enjoy live theatre, amusement parks, water parks and a plethora of shopping venues. Gift certificates at any of these places would be a delightful addition to any previously booked vacation. Go online to see what the area has to offer and most times you’ll be able to purchase a gift certificate on their website and have it mailed to you. If not, a simple phone call is sure to get the job done.

With the largest motorcycle spring rally coming to the Carolina’s May 10-19, 2013, you should be reserving your North Myrtle Beach condos now if you haven’t already done so. Give us a call at Grand Strand Resorts and we can set you up with any one of the many centrally located North Myrtle Beach condos in our vast inventory that are motorcycle friendly. You can also make your reservations easily on our website.

There are plenty of events taking place during the spring rally this year and you won’t want to miss a single one. There’s a biker Meet ‘n Greet on May 15 that lasts all day. Meet for breakfast at the Golden Egg in Surfside Beach from 9-11 a.m. and then head out at 11 a.m. sharp for a 175+ mile round trip journey ending up back in Garden City Beach. The event is free and all bikers, cars and people are invited to come along.

Don’t miss getting in on the new 100% raffle this year. Three people will share the money. Tickets are $1 each of 6 for $5. Total prize amount depends upon number of entries. All proceeds will be given away at the 7 p.m. drawing at the Causeway Bar. You need to be present to win. Riders will also receive a wristband at the first stop that will provide them with an extended happy hour at the Causeway Bar.

As always, have fun and drive safe! We’re looking forward to your arrival.

Teams of 20 paddlers and one drummer will race in the upcoming 5th Annual Ground Zero Dragon Boat Festival being held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at The Market Common. Ground Zero focuses on providing teenagers with quality events, speakers and clubs in a safe environment. The festival will offer live entertainment, a family-fun zone plus plenty of food and drinks. An anticipated 55 plus boats will compete this year so it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Minor League Baseball team will be playing home games in Myrtle Beach this summer from April 22-28 with fireworks following, weather permitting. All games start at 7:05 p.m. and are held at BB&T Coastal Field in the heart of Myrtle Beach.

If you have family coming to the area and you’re in need of accommodations, consider our North Myrtle Beach resorts. You’ll find all of our vacation rentals to be top notch and well appointed. If they play golf, you’ll be interested to know they’ll have access to some golf packages we offer. Some provide three or more rounds of golf plus accommodations and meals at a very affordable price.

Golfing is a very popular sport here and it brings thousands of people to Myrtle Beach every year. If you are seeking challenging greens on which to play, comfortable accommodations and great amenities, then check out what we have for you. With more than 110 championship courses to play, you’ll not only have awesome lodging but also well-priced golf packages when you plan on staying with us.

When you’re looking for a place where you can get away and thaw out, Coastal South Carolina is a great place. For anyone that winter has taken a toll on, you’ll really appreciate the temperatures here at this time. Pack up your family, bring your golf clubs, and c’mon down! But we’ll warn you — you just might not want to go home again.

If you’re coming just to veg out and relax, you’ll find it’s quiet here where you can kick back in a lounge chair on the beach or by the pool. In South Carolina we have everything you’re looking for. Our wide, pristine, and expansive beaches outside your door are ideal for walking or setting up a beach chair and soaking up the sun or just enjoying a good book. These beaches are ideal for shelling, Bocce ball and plenty of other beach activities.

You won’t find any other North Myrtle Beach resorts that can compare with what we have to show you. With a large inventory of rentals to show you, we know you’ll find just what you want right here. Take a closer look on our website — they’re all right there with photos and descriptions. If you find something you want, go ahead and make your reservations on the spot. It’s just that easy and you won’t miss out on the perfect rental either.